After working hard to lose a substantial amount of weight, it can be discouraging to find your skin is loose and sagging in the areas you’ve worked hard to shed pounds.  There are a number of cosmetic surgery procedures that can be performed following substantial weight loss to correct sagging and loose skin.  These surgeries are often necessary where the skin has been stretched beyond its natural range of elasticity, and has lost the ability to contract.  I recommend scheduling a consultation so we can assess which surgeries are most appropriate for you.  However, here are some of the more common post weight loss cosmetic surgeries I perform.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area resulting in a firmer, trimmer mid section.  Many times during massive weight loss, the abdomen loses the greatest amount of volume.  During a tummy tuck, an incision is made from hipbone to hipbone and skin, tissue, and muscle are lifted and tightened.  At this time, the walls of the abdomen muscle can be tightened as well.  Sometimes a second incision is needed to eliminate excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

The arm area is another area of concern for people who have lost considerable amounts of weight.  A brachioplasty corrects loose and drooping skin (bat wings) on the upper arm to reduce the overall thickness of the upper arm.  Extra skin and fat are removed by incisions on the inner arm. Incisions are placed where they can be best hidden while still allowing tissue to be tightened.

Medial Thigh Lift

A great surgery to create more shapely thighs after weight loss, a medial thigh lift tightens skin on the inner thigh.  The Medial Thigh Lift is performed through an incision high in the groin crease. Excess skin and tissue is removed and the inner thigh is lifted and tightened.

Total Body Lift

A Total Body Lift is great for tightening the excess skin around the waist.  Excess skin is removed and tightened.  Patients sometimes choose to sculpt other parts of their bodies during the same surgical session with a Tummy Tuck, Arm Lift, Medial Thigh Lift, or Buttock Lift along with a Total Body Lift.

As I said before, if you are considering plastic after substantial weight loss, I suggest first scheduling a consultation so we can tailor a plan best suited to your personal needs.